Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions on Lowering Blood Pressure in Iran (Articles from 2012 to 2020)

In recent years, psychologists have sought to evaluate the efficiency of the psychological interventions in the field of hypertension (HTN). In this regard, meta-analysis can determine the effect size of different methods by integrating the results of different studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different psychological interventions on lowering blood pressure using a meta-analysis research model.

In this study, meta-analysis as a statistical technique was used to collect, combine, and summarize research findings related to interventions effective in lowering blood pressure. The statistical population of the present study was the articles conducted in Iran on the effectiveness of psychological interventions in lowering blood pressure. 10 studies that were methodologically acceptable were selected and analyzed. The research tool was a meta-analysis checklist.

The combined effect size of psychological interventions on systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 1.43 (Z = 11.12, P < 0.001) and on diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 1.40 (Z = 9.45, P < 0.001), which was significant and the effect size was large.

The metacognitive therapies have a high effect on reducing SBP and DBP. Overall, the evidence for the psychological treatment of HTN is promising.